Three Rivers man sentenced in police chase case

A Three Rivers man was sentenced to prison Monday in Hillsdale County’s 1st Judicial Circuit Court.

Michael Mercer, 23, appeared in court on charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding police. Mercer was sentenced 23 to 60 months in the Michigan Department of Corrections and given credit for 40 days served. He also was ordered to pay $200 in court assessments.

Mercer is accused of stealing a jeep in St. Joseph County in December and leading police in Hillsdale on a high-speed pursuit, according to authorities.

In May, Mercer pleaded guilty in an agreement offered by the Hillsdale County prosecuting attorney’s office, which agreed to dismiss charges of receiving and concealing stolen property, felonious assault, resisting arrest and driving without a license.

Mercer was convicted in St. Joseph County for the stolen vehicle he was driving and served jail time in Centreville for the offense.